(RFE/RL)
March 27, 2006 -- The president of NATO's Parliamentary Assembly, Pierre Lellouche, says Europe must continue to strengthen its ties with Ukraine and not allow the country to slip back under Moscow's influence.

Speaking in Kyiv, Lellouche said Ukraine "deserves better than being abandoned on Russia's doorstep."

His comments came as the pro-Russia Party of Regions appears set to emerge as the victor from the March 26 parliamentary elections.

The party will not have a majority, though, so it remains unclear what type of coalition will be formed to govern Ukraine.

IN WHOSE ORBIT? Just over a year ago, tens of thousands of Ukrainians led an extended public uprising that toppled the country's entrenched, pro-Russia regime. But the country remains deeply divided between the east, where ethnic Russians look toward Moscow, and the west, which yearns for deeper integration with Europe. Can Ukraine elect a legislature that represents this torn country? (more)